Basic Garden Bargains

These 10 thrifty basic garden ideas are perfect for the resourceful gardener and use materials you have around the house.

By Teri Dunn

Sandra Schumer

Use a pair of old boots as a container for plants, like these hens and chicks.

We’ve all been there. Ankle-deep in dirt and can’t locate, or simply don’t have, the item you need (a trowel, fertilizer, container). Necessity is the mother of invention, so you grab whatever’s close by in your home or garage and press it into service. It does the trick…and you get a gold star in frugality! Here are some of the most useful basic garden bargains I’ve used in my yard that cost next to nothing. You probably have many on hand. They’re free for the taking and benefit your garden at the same time!

Garden use: Use these items as containers for herbs, flowers and houseplants.

Why it works: They contribute a touch of whimsy and even a “settled look” to a garden scene.

How to: If there’s no way to make a drainage hole, just nest a plastic pot within the object.

Tips: Position found objects near the front of a display or in a high-traffic area so they get noticed; elevate or anchor an object higher than ground level, for the same reason.

Other uses: Some found objects can’t hold a plant display, but are nonetheless fun or charming as garden decor.

Paper bags

Garden use: Protect vulnerable plants from frost.

Why it works: Traps warmer air, insulating plant.

How to: Set upside down over tops of vulnerable plants when frost threatens (the growing tip of the plant is most vulnerable). Place soil or rock over the edge of the bag to hold it in place.

Tip: Remove in morning so the plant can receive warm sun and any nighttime dampness can evaporate.

Other uses: Use to start seeds or seedlings that will be later moved into your garden (bag and all, as it will rot in place); place over ripening fruit to protect from pests (cinch with string, rubber band, or even staples).

How to: Thicker layers are most effective for snuffing out grass…up to 30 sheets will do.

Tips: Dampen the paper after it’s in place, and anchor the corners with rocks so the pile won’t shift or blow away. Lay several inches of mulch (compost, straw, shredded leaves or bark chips) on top for extra insurance-and because it looks better.

Other uses: Shred, dampen and add to your compost pile; set a dry, clumped ball of newspaper into the garden to trap pesky earwigs.

Tin cans

Garden use: Make good collars to thwart destructive cutworms.

Why it works: It’s a physical barrier they cannot cross.

How to: Remove the top and bottom of can, press into soil, then plant seed(s) or seedling(s) within.

Tip: As extra insurance, you can also sprinkle cornmeal just outside…cutworms will eat but cannot digest it.

Other uses: Use to check your sprinkler watering (remove only the tops, then set several at intervals on your lawn, turning off the water when the water level reaches 1 inch). Or use to raise up a ripening watermelon or squash so that part of the fruit won’t rot on moist ground.

Coffee grounds

Garden use: Sprinkle on the ground at the base of certain plants.

Why it works: Adding the organic matter to the soil helps improve drainage in clay and water- holding capacity in sandy soils.

How to: Apply a small amount over a plant’s root zone.

Tip: Use on any plant, especially those that like rich, moist organic soils, like azaleas and blueberries.

Other uses: You may sprinkle where you’ve planted carrot seeds, to discourage carrot rust flies. Sprinkle at base of plants vulnerable to slugs and snails to make a scratchy barrier that they’re reluctant to cross.

Bar soap

Garden use: Is thought to keep deer from feasting on your trees and plants.

Why it works: It’s thought that the strong scent of deodorant in bar soaps may deter deer and other backyard pests.

How to: Break a bar of soap into several pieces and hang them from strings or in old nylons or net bags on your tree.

Tip: Hang bars of soap on posts or other structures near prime feeding areas if deer are attacking garden plants.

Other uses: If deer are devouring your tulips, slice or grate up soap and sprinkle the shavings around the plants.

Disposable aluminum pie tins

Garden use: These can scare pests away, at least temporarily.

Why it works: Tins make an annoying noise as they bang around in the breeze. They also flash reflected light, which may be disconcerting.

How to: Tie to a string and hang from branches, a trellis or your garden fence.

Tips: Use several; use at different heights; move around to keep the pests guessing.

Other uses: Fill with beer and set in slug- or snail-infested areas to trap; cut to make a collar to set at base of vulnerable vegetable seedlings, thus thwarting soil-borne insect pests (a tin also reflects heat upward onto a plant, a nice plus).

Packing peanuts

Garden use: Improves drainage in pots.

Why it works: Permits water, but not soil, to pass through.

How to: Layer out of sight in bottom of a pot, then add soil mix sufficient to support the root systems.

Tips: This is a great way to reduce soil-mix use in large pots (also, it makes them weigh less, so they’re easier to pick up or move around).

Other uses: Layer in the bottom of any container that lacks a drainage hole.

Old hosiery

Garden use: Tie up floppy plants; anchor vines.

Why it works: It’s soft and flexible and won’t damage plants, even as they grow.

How to: Cut or tear into slender lengths. Use a figure-eight knot (one loop around support, one around stem or branch).

Tip: To hide it from view, tie out of sight, behind foliage.

Other uses: Line bottoms of pots so water can get out but dirt can’t. This will also keep small bugs from getting in. In addition, try slipping it over ripening fruit to protect from nibbling pests or use as a sling to support heavy fruits, such as melons.